System for joining mullions to transoms by frontal link

ABSTRACT

The system for joining mullions to transoms by frontal link here described uses: transoms ( 3 ) with channels whose longer axis is the vertical axis and mullions provided with at least two seats; each seat is provided with at least one coupling jaw, one holding jaw and one inclined plane; an insert joins the mullion to the transoms; it is formed by a body and a connection beam provided with a coupling jaw. The body of the insert is housed in at least one of the above mentioned channels of the transom; the insert is provided with holes in which screws and dowels are inserted; a spacer is placed between one insert and the one above it in order to separate the transoms vertically; the coupling jaw on the insert joins with the coupling jaw on the mullion; the above mentioned screws engrave the holding jaw of the mullion thus producing horizontal grooves; the dowels prevent the insert from moving within the transom.

APPLICATION FIELD

This patent refers to a system for joining section bars used in facades(both to mullions and transoms, be they structural or semi-structural)band frames, movable walls and in general wherever mullions are to bejoined to transoms with mitred joints, without additional work.

STATE OF THE ART

A great number of systems for joining mullions to transoms by means ofmetal or plastic section bars are available. The most advanced systemsprovide for non-sequential joining of section bars by frontal Insertionof transoms into mullions. This allows transom preparation beforeassembly, with a subsequent reduction in costs. Costs are furtherdecreased also because this particular method enables an easier assemblyprocess compared to that of sequential joining systems.

Unfortunately, the frontal joining systems known today, althougheffective, have relatively high assembly and disassembly costs. In orderto decrease these costs many new solutions have been devised, with theaim of reducing preparation of the parts to be linked to the minimum.

We have thus passed from the preparation of mullions—to create notcheswhere transoms are to be inserted—to the adjustment of the transomsthemselves. The latter, after having been cut to the desired length, aremilled or sheared in order to remove a portion of their outer wall,close to the ends.

The transoms are then frontally inserted into side supports which havebeen fastened to the mullions by means of screws and are tightly lockedto them with additional screws. Additionally, in order to favour thedischarge of condensation water through the mullion's gutter, transomends are milled once again, so as to obtain two projections, one on eachside, directing the water into the above mentioned channel.

It is clear that mullion and transom preparation costs are very high,given the number of adjustments to be performed: double milling orshearing of transoms, milling of mullions, double perforation ofmullions (in order to create the holes in which both the screws for theside supports and those needed for joining the transoms to the mullionswill be fastened).

Moreover, a certain amount of labour is required both for thepreparation of the section bars and the fastening of side supports inadvance.

Alternative frontal fastening methods include the use of linkingelements which make it possible to skip part of the section barpreparation process.

According to these new methods, transoms are cut to the desired length.The ends are then closed with plastic plugs which act both as gasketsand dilatation compensators. Finally, transoms and mullions are joinedtogether with metal bars which are placed horizontally between the twoand fastened to them by means of screws. The metal bars are fitted intospecial transom channels or chambers, creating a typical cross-shapedjoint where screws are essential to keep the structure tightly fastened.Apart from the transoms' low resistance to torsion stress, it is howevernecessary to pierce or shear both the mullions and the transoms, whichmakes preparation of the various parts expensive, although to a lesserextent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of this invention is to offer users a section bar linking systemwhich does not require extra adjustments other than the cutting ofmullions and transoms during the making of facades, band frames andmovable walls.

Consequently, this invention also aims at enabling frontal assembly anddisassembly of section bars at extremely low costs, thus offering greateconomic advantages.

These and other aims are achieved by the system which is the subjectmatter of this invention and which is characterised by the use ofsection bars, an insert and spacers.

The section bars used for the making of transoms are provided with atleast one channel (whose longitudinal axis is parallel to that of thesection bars), developing vertically.

The section bars used for the making of mullions are provided with atleast two grooves whose longitudinal axis is parallel to that of thesection bars and symmetrical to the central beams. In its cross-sectioneach groove is provided with at least one coupling jaw, one holding jaw,and one inclined plane. Each groove can be divided into two channels bya sufficiently flexible fin, whose longitudinal axis is parallel to thatof the mullion, which has to be provided with at least one coupling andone holding jaw. At the end of at least one channel, a projectioncreates the inclined plane, while at the end of the other channel aprojection creates a housing.

The insert is provided with at least one connection beam perpendicularto its body. The body of each insert is housed in at least one of thetransom channels whereas the end supplied with the connection beaminevitably protrudes from the channel itself. The connection beam mayvary in shape but in all cases has to be provided with at least onecoupling and one holding jaw. The connection beam's end can be formed bya terminal, complementary or not to the above mentioned housing. Theinsert may also be supplied with a guide beam placed perpendicularly tothe insert's body and in the same direction as the connection beam. Thisguide beam may be provided with a terminal, preferably placed at itsdistal end and perpendicularly to the beam. The insert body may besubdivided into two or more sections which are parallel to the transoms,joining at the mullion. The insert is provided with two or more holes,threaded or not, at least one of which is to be located on the insert'sbody itself and another near the connection beam. These holes holdscrews or dowels.

Fitted into the holes, the screws and dowels prevent the insert frommoving vertically. Nevertheless, in order to prevent heavy glass panesor panels or minute loads from causing a downward slip of the transom, ametal profile spacer may be used, having a varied section structure.

The spacer, which may host the vertical sealing gasket and act as asupport for the shutters' retaining elements, is fixed to the mullion bymeans of joints, gaskets or any other simple fitting method. It may havediverse shapes and may or may not be provided with a coupling jaw to beinserted in at least one of the mullion's jaws. The spacer is insertedinto a specific slot for fitting or in at least one of the channels.

Each transom end may be closed by a tight plug, formed by a body havingthe same profile as the transom, with a support protruding from it andfacing oppositely to the transom end. The support is provided with oneor more slits whose clear span is the same size as that of the insert'sbody and may also be provided with horizontal holes.

By using the above described insert for the fixing of transoms tomullions, apart from transom cutting, all other adjustments are avoided.Transoms are previously cut to the desired length in the workshop and,if required, their ends are covered with the plugs in which the insertsare placed. Consequently, the persons in charge of assembling facades,band frames, movable walls etc., will simply have to fix the inserts tothe mullions and the transoms. Assembly therefore becomes quick andeasy, drastically reducing the costs and time usually required to carryout these operations.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will beclearer from the description of some preferred, but not unique,embodiments of the invention showing—for information only, and withoutany limitation—the details of the system on the drawings enclosedherewith, where:

FIG. 1 shows the cross section of a mullion according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the cross section of a transom;

FIG. 3 shows the enlarged cross section of a spacer;

FIG. 4 shows an insert seen from above;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross section of a mullion's seat;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged longitudinal section of the extremity of theinsert shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a section of part of the area where the mullion and insertare joined;

FIG. 8 shows the transom, insert and plug seen from above;

FIG. 9 shows the exploded perspective view of the transom, the insertand plug previously illustrated;

FIG. 10 shows the same details described in the previous drawing,assembled together;

FIG. 11 shows the exploded perspective view of the mullion, transom,insert and plug illustrated in the previous drawings; part of themullion has been removed in order to better show how the insert islocked into the mullion;

FIG. 12 shows the cross section of a second mullion according to theinvention;

FIG. 13 shows the cross section of a second transom;

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged cross section of a second spacer;

FIG. 15 shows an enlarged cross section of part of the mullion shown inFIG. 12;

FIG. 16 shows and enlarged view of a second insert, seen from above;

FIG. 17 shows a section of the mullion, transom, insert, plug and spacershown in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, now joined together;

FIG. 18 shows another cross section of the transom shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 shows the exploded perspective view of the mullion, transom,insert and plug shown in FIGS. 12-18;

FIG. 20 shows a cross section of a third mullion according to theinvention;

FIG. 21 shows the cross section of a third transom;

FIG. 22 shows the cross section of a third spacer;

FIG. 23 shows the cross section of a fourth spacer;

FIG. 24 shows the enlarged cross section of part of the mullion shown inFIG. 20;

FIG. 25 shows the enlarged view of a third insert, seen from above;

FIG. 26 shows a section of the mullion, transom, insert, plug and thetwo spacers shown in FIGS. 20-25, joined together;

FIG. 27 shows another cross section of the transom shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 28 shows the cross section of a mullion and a spacer for internalwalls;

FIG. 29 shows the longitudinal section of a fourth insert;

FIG. 30 shows the cross section of the spacer shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 shows the cross section of a transom and its correspondinginsert for internal walls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FOUR PREFERENTIAL METHODS OF REALISATION

A first example of realisation of the joining system here described,particularly suitable for continuous faades, foresees the use of insert1, of a section bar which will create mullion 2, of a second section barcreating transom 3 and of spacer 4.

Insert 1 is formed by a body 1.1 and a connection beam 1.2 which isperpendicular to the body itself. Body 1.1 of insert 1 is divided intotwo parts which are parallel to transoms 3, joined together near beam1.2. Connection beam 1.2 is provided with a coupling jaw 1.3 and aholding jaw 1.4. Insert 1 is provided with four holes, two threadedholes 1.5 along body 1.1 and two non-threaded holes 1.6 near connectionbeam 1.2.

The section bars used to create transoms 3 have a box-like body 3.1 andtwo channels 3.2 whose longitudinal axis is parallel to that of transoms3, developing vertically. The two parts of body 1.1 of insert 1 arefitted into channels 3.2, whereas the extremity provided with connectionbeam 1.2 protrudes from channels 3.2.

The section bars used to create mullions 2 have a box-like body 2.1 anda double seat 2.2, whose longitudinal axis Is parallel to that of thesection bars and rigid edges. The central beams 2.3 holding the sectionbar which blocks the glass or panel, are placed between the two seats2.2. On the side facing beams 2.3, each seat 2.2 is closed by fin 2.4,whose longitudinal axis is parallel to that of mullion 2. Fin 2.4 isprovided with a coupling jaw 2.5. A holding jaw 2.6 is placed oppositeto jaw 2.5 on the edge of seat 2.2 facing the external side of mullion2. At the bottom of each seat 2.2 a projection creates inclined plane2.7. The edge facing central beams 2.3 of seat 2.2 is also inclined,thus forming another inclined plane, 2.8.

A third section bar is used both as an internal glass-holder and as aspacer, 4. It Is formed by body 4.1 which is provided with two beams4.2. Each beam is provided with a coupling jaw, 4.3.

A tight plug 5 closes the ends of each transom 3. Each plug 5 is formedby a body 5.1 having the same profile as the tubular portion of transom3 and a support 5.2 protruding from body 5.1 itself. Plug 5 is crossedby two vertical slits 5.3 having a clear span of the same size as thetwo parts of body 1.1 of insert 1 and by two horizontal holes 5.4, ifrequired.

At the time of assembly, transom 3, already equipped with plugs 5 andinserts 1 at its extremities, is brought close to mullion 2, frontally.Connection beam 1.2 of each insert 1 is fitted into each of seats 2.2until coupling jaw 1.3 clasps to coupling jaw 2.5. The coupling of jaws1.3 and 2.5 avoids that the group formed by transom 3 and insert 1should detach from mullion 2. In order to lock insert 1 and prevent thegroup formed by insert 1 and transom 2 from sliding vertically alongmullion 2, screws 6 are inserted in holes 1.6 placed close to connectionbeam 1.2. These screws, which may also pass through holes 5.4 of plug 5,engrave jaw 2.6, creating horizontal grooves which prevent the abovementioned vertical sliding. By inserting screws 6 into seat 2.2,connection beam 1.2 of each insert 1 is pushed against its correspondinginclined plane 2.8. At the same time, the Ups of screws 6 use the secondinclined plane 2.7 as a fulcrum to lever on plug 5, forcing it to pressagainst mullion 2, thus preventing water leakage and therefore ensuringa tight system. Two dowels 7 prevent insert 1 from moving withinchannels 3.2 of transom 3. Dowels 7 are inserted in threaded holes 1.5of body 1.1 of insert 1 engraving the walls of transom 3.

Spacer 4, formed by a glass-holding section bar, prevents insert 1 frommoving vertically when transom 3 has to support heavy or sudden loads.

Both beams 4.2 are inserted in the same seat 2.2 of mullion 2 in whichbeam 1.2 of insert 1 is housed. Jaws 4.3 couple with coupling jaw 2.5and holding jaw 2.6 of seat 2.2 thus tightly fastening spacer 4 tomullion 2.

Spacer 4 is placed between one insert 1 and the insert above it. Itsfunction is not only that of holding the glass, it also creates avertical distance between one transom 3 and the other and supports them.Assembly time is therefore reduced since scribing on mullions 2 is nolonger necessary.

Assembly is sequential and upward oriented. After locking mullions 2 inthe desired position, a first transom 3 is fastened to two contiguousmullions 2; then, spacers 4 are fitted into the two mullions 2 placedabove the first two inserts 1, then another transom 3 is fastened andthe sequence continues until the fagade is completed.

A second example of realisation of the joining system here described,also suitable for continuous fagades, still foresees the use of aninsert 1, of a section bar which will create mullion 2, of a secondsection bar creating transom 3 and of a spacer 4.

In this second example, apart from a coupling jaw 1.3 and a holding jaw1.4 opposite to it, insert 1 is provided with a terminal 1.7. Insert 1is also provided with a guiding beam 1.8 placed perpendicularly to body1.1 and facing the same direction as connection beam 1.2. This secondbeam 1.8 is also provided with a terminal 1.9, placed at Its distalextremity and perpendicular to beam 1.8 itself.

The section bars used to create mullions 2 have each double seat 2.2divided into two channels 2.9 and 2.10, and by fin 2.4, which in thiscase is thin and flexible. Coupling jaw 2.5 and holding jaw 2.6 areplaced on fin 2.4 itself; coupling jaw 2.5 facing channel 2.9 andholding jaw 2.6 facing channel 2.10. At the bottom of channel 2.10,placed towards the middle of mullion 2, a projection creates inclinedplane 2.7. At the bottom of channel 2.9, placed towards the externalside of mullion 2, a projection 2.11, together with the walls of channel2.9, creates housing 2.12.

The section bar used as spacer 4, is formed by a body 4.1 and two beams4.2 One of the two beams is provided with a coupling jaw 4.3 while theother beam ends with a fin 4.4 placed perpendicularly to the beam 4.2itself. Housing 4.5 of body 4.1 holds a vertical gasket 8.

At the time of assembly, transom 3, already equipped with plugs 5 andinserts 1 at its extremities, is frontally brought close to mullion 2.Connection beam 1.2 of each insert 1 is fitted into the most externalchannel 2.9 and guiding beam 1.8 into the second channel 2.10 untilcoupling jaw 1.3 clasps to coupling jaw 2.5. The encumbrance of beam 1.2determines its correct coupling with mullion 2. In fact, it has to begreater than the distance between the lateral extremity of jaw 2.5 andthe edge of channel 2.9 (net measure) thus forcing the fin to bend whenconnection beam 1.2 is inserted into channel 2.9. When jaws 1.3 and 2.5clasp together, fin 2.4 returns to its original position simultaneouslypushing beam 1.2 against the edge of is channel 2.9 opposite to that offin 2.4 and forcing the support area 1.4 of connection beam 1.2 againstrigid edge 2.13. Eventually, terminal 1.7 places itself into housing2.12 placed between the edges of channel 2.9 and projection 2.11.

The coupling of jaws 1.3 and 2.5 avoids that insert 1 should detach frommullion 2. The contact between the support area 1.4 and the edge 2.13 ofchannel 2.9 and the contact between terminal 1.7 and the walls ofhousing 2.12 prevents insert 1—and therefore transom 3—from rotatingalong one of its longitudinal axes.

Screws 6, which also pass through holes 5.4 of plug 5, are inserted intoholes 1.6 close to connection beam and engrave holding jaw 2.6. Beam 1.8guides screws 6 into channel 2.10. The locking with screws 6 istherefore performed by using the more central channel 2.10 and notchannel 2.9 where beam 1.2 is housed. By inserting screws 6, fin 2.4does not bend and its jaw 2.5 does not detach from jaw 1.3 of connectionbeam 1.2.

Both beams 4.2 are inserted in the same channel 2.9 of mullion 2 inwhich beam 1.2 of insert 1 is housed. Jaw 4.3 couples with coupling jaw2.5 of fin 2.4. Fin 4.4 of the other beam 4.2 places itself in housing2.12 thus tightly fastening spacer 4 to mullion 2.

A third example of realisation of the joining system here described,also suitable for continuous facades, still foresees the use of aninsert 1, of a section bar which will create mullion 2, of a secondsection bar creating transom 3 and of a spacer 9. These details differin shape but they have the same characteristics as the ones previouslydescribed.

The only variations are the absence of the two terminals 1.7 and 1.9,the shape of spacer 9 and its housing onto mullion 2. Spacer 9 isprovided with two beams, 9.1 and 9.2. Beam 9.2 is provided with acoupling jaw 9.3. Beam 9.2 is fitted into the most peripheral channel2.9 of mullion 2 and its coupling jaw 9.3 joins with coupling jaw 2.5 ofchannel 2.10. The other beam 9.1 fits into the other channel 2.10.

A second spacer may be used, spacer 10, which has the double function ofcreating a distance between transoms 3 and supporting the elements whichfasten the doors. It is provided with two beams, 10.1 and 10.2 which arefitted into yet another channel 2.14 of mullion 2 having a differentposition, lateral, and a different function compared to that of channels2.9 and 2.10 which serve to lock both insert 1 and spacer 9. Spacer 10is fastened to mullion 2 by means of gasket 11 which is provided with arelief 11.1 intended to occupy groove 2.15 within channel 2.14.

A fourth example of realisation of the joining system here described,particularly suitable for interior movable walls, uses an insert 1, asection bar suitable to create mullion 2, of a second section barcreating transom 3 and of a spacer 12. Also in this case the detailsdiffer in shape but they have the same characteristics as the onespreviously described. Fin 2.4 of mullion 2 is not provided with theinclined plane 2.7, the transom is only provided with one channel 3.2and spacer 12 has two beams, 12.1 and 12.2, one of which is providedwith a coupling jaw 9.3. Beam 12.2 of spacer 12 externally embracesmullion 2. Coupling jaw 12.3 of beam 12.1 of spacer 12 joins withholding jaw 2.6 of channel 2.10.

When fixing insert 1, two dowels 13 are used to prevent insert 1—andthereafter transom 3—from moving vertically. These dowels are insertedin holes 1.6 placed close to connection beam 1.2 where they engrave jaw2.6 of fin 2.4. The fitting of the dowels 13 ends when their tips comeinto contact with terminal 1.9 of guide beam 1.8, thus creating anend-stop. In this case the inclined plane 2.7 is not foreseen. In fact,since the tightness of the internal walls is not necessary, no plugs areused and the fulcrum function previously described for inclined plane2.7 is senseless.

1. System for joining mullions to transoms by frontal link, said systemcomprising: section bars used to obtain transoms having a body and atleast one channel whose longer axis is the vertical axis and whoselongitudinal axis is parallel to that of the transoms; section bars usedto obtain mullions having at least two seats whose longitudinal axis isparallel to that of mullions, symmetrical to central beams; in crosssection each seat is provided with at least one coupling jaw, oneholding jaw, a first inclined plane and a second inclined plane; insertseach of which is formed by a body and at least one connection beamperpendicular to its body; the body of each insert is able to be housedin at least one of the transom channels whereas the end supplied withthe connection beam protrudes from the channel itself; the connectionbeam is provided with at least one coupling and one holding jaw; eachinsert is provided with two or more holes, threaded or not, at least oneof which is to be located on the insert's body itself and at leastanother close to the connection beam; these holes hold screws or dowels;spacers, formed by section bars which are fixed to the mullion by meansof joints, gaskets or any other simple fitting methods a tight plugwhich closes the ends of each transom; each plug is formed by a bodyhaving the same profile as the transom and a support protruding from thebody itself, this support is crossed by one or more vertical slitshaving a clear span of the same size as the body of the insert and byhorizontal holes. wherein, at the time of assembly, a transom, alreadyequipped with a plug and an insert at its extremities, is brought closeto a relative mullion, frontally, and a connection beam of each insertis fitted into each of the seats until said coupling jaw of the insertclasps to said coupling jaw of the mullion, wherein screws are insertedin said holes to engrave said jaw and push said connection beam of theinsert against its corresponding inclined plane, and wherein the tips ofthe screws use the other inclined plane as a fulcrum to lever on saidplug, forcing it to press against the mullion thus preventing waterleakage and therefore ensuring a tight system.
 2. Joining system,according to claim 1, provided with a holding jaw on the edge of theseat of the mullion.
 3. Joining system, according to claim 1, in whicheach double seat of the mullion is divided into first and secondchannels by a thin and flexible fin, whose longitudinal axis is parallelto that of the mullion; the coupling jaw and the holding jaw are placedon the fin itself; the coupling jaw facing the first channel and theholding jaw facing the second channel; at the bottom of the secondchannel, positioned towards the middle of the mullion, a projectioncreates the first inclined plane; at the bottom of the first channel,placed towards the external side of the mullion, a projection, togetherwith the walls of the first channel, creates a housing.
 4. Joiningsystem, according to claim 1, in which body of insert is divided intotwo parts which are parallel to the transoms, joined together near thebeam.
 5. Joining system, according to claim 1, in which each insert isalso provided with a guiding beam placed perpendicularly to the body andfacing the same direction as the connection beam.
 6. Joining system,according to claim 1, in which the extremity of the connection beam isconstituted by a terminal; this terminal may be complementary or not tothe geometry of the above mentioned housing (of the mullion.
 7. Joiningsystem, according to claim 1, in which the distal extremity of guidingbeam is constituted by a terminal.
 8. (canceled)
 9. Joining system,according to claim 1, in which the above mentioned screws or dowels,passing through the holes placed close to the connection beam of theinsert engrave a holding jaw, of the mullion thus creating horizontalseats; one or more dowels inserted into the threaded holes of the bodyof the insert engrave transom walls.
 10. Joining system, according toclaim 1, in which at least one coupling jaw of the insert joins with atleast one coupling jaw of the mullion.
 11. Joining system, according toclaim 1, in which the spacer is inserted into the seat or in at leastone of the channels meant to be joined with the insert.
 12. Joiningsystem, according to claim 1, in which the spacer is inserted into achannel of the mullion R which is not meant to be joined with theinsert.
 13. Joining system, according to claim 1, in which the spacer isprovided with at least one coupling jaw which joins with at least onecoupling jaw of the mullion.
 14. Joining system, according to claim 1,in which the spacer is fastened to the mullion by means of a gasketprovided with a relief which fits into a groove of the mullion itself.15. Joining method for the assembly of a facade, band frame, movablewall and in general wherever mullions are to be joined to transoms,using a system, according to claim 1, comprising the following phases ofassembly: equipping the extremities of a transom with a plug and aninsert using screws or dowels inserted in holes of body of insertengraving the walls of said transom; fixing the section bars used toobtain the mullions in the desired position; bringing the group formedby the transom and the inserts the plug close to two contiguous mullionsfrontally; fitting the connection beam of each insert into a seat orchannel of the mullion until the coupling jaw of each insert coupleswith the jaw of the mullion; fastening a first transom is fastened totwo contiguous mullions by means of screws or dowels which pass throughthe holes placed close to the connection beam of the inserts and throughthe holes of the plugs said screws acting against the inclined plane asa lever on plug, forcing it to press against the mullion thus ensuring atight system; fastening each insert to the transom by means of screws ordowels, which pass through additional holes obtained in the body of theinsert itself; fitting appropriate spacers are fitted into the twomullions above the first two inserts insets or into special channelsmeant for this purpose; fastening subsequent transoms as describedabove; assembly is sequential and upward oriented and continues untilthe facade, band frame or movable wall is completed.